MACCLESFIELD will fall silent in remembrance of those who died in the Second World War after the haunting sound of a genuine air-raid siren from the period is sounded.
The klaxon, which was used in the town during wartime to warn of bombings, will wail over a packed Market Place on Sunday (July 10).
At time of going to press, confirmation of the exact time of the universal one minute silence had not been received from central government.
The air-raid siren is just one of the features Macclesfield Borough Council have put in place to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of VE and VJ day.
Maxonians will be transported back to our finest hour with period songs in the town hall, wartime vehicles in the centre, exhibitions at the Heritage Centre and man and women dressed in the height of Forties fashion.
Veterans will mill around the streets and soak up the atmosphere and the memories of that terrible time.
Diane Smith, MBC's town centre manager and event organiser said: "We are hoping to make this as spectacular a day as possible.
"We want to try and evoke some of the sights and sounds of an incredible period of our history.
"The theme for the celebrations is 'The Home Front', and organisers from MBC, the Fire Service and the Royal British Legion have been working hard on preparations for the event."
The day will start with a service of thanksgiving at St Michael and All Angels Church at 10.30am. The Silk Brass Band will entertain the crowds at noon in the Market Place and the Macclesfield Male Voice Choir will be in full song back at the church at 2pm.
Displays, demonstrations and stalls will be set up in the town hall, the church, on Castle Street, on Park Lane at the Silk Museum and on Churchill Way car park.
Refreshments will be served at the church in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.
The council secured £8,900 of Lottery funding for the celebrations after applying to the Home Front Recall funding scheme earlier this year.
The scheme aims to fund activities such as those planned in Macclesfield to commemorate the part played by those on the home front during the war years and help veterans organise or take part in reunions celebrating the anniversary.
The lottery funding has been granted to cover the hire of extensive equipment, creation of displays and volunteer expenses, for example.
Diane said: "This is excellent news for the borough and the money will be used to make sure the event is spectacular. Preparations are well underway for the celebrations and this money is the icing on the cake.
"It will be used for a variety of extras including lighting and audio equipment and I hope people will be encouraged to come along and help us to celebrate this important event in the nation's history."
